Uber has released its inaugural Kenya Economic Impact Report, showcasing the company’s substantial contribution to the Kenyan economy in 2023. The report, commissioned by Uber and conducted by Public First, estimates that Uber’s operations in the mobility and delivery sectors generated KSh 14.1 billion in economic value.
The report underscores Uber’s significant role in supporting local businesses, drivers, and consumers, with notable contributions to sectors such as tourism, the nighttime economy, and delivery services.
Uber’s Impact Across Key Sectors
Tourism
The report estimates that Uber contributed KSh 2.7 billion to Kenya’s tourism sector in 2023. The app facilitated millions of trips for tourists, making transportation more accessible and boosting local tourism revenues.
Nighttime Economy and Local Businesses
Uber’s presence bolstered the nighttime economy by supporting an estimated KSh 167 million in value, enabling easier access to bars, clubs, and restaurants. Additionally, Uber Eats contributed KSh 534 million by providing restaurants with a scalable delivery infrastructure, allowing them to reach a wider customer base without significant overhead costs.
Empowering Drivers and Delivery Partners
Uber continues to create valuable earning opportunities for drivers and delivery partners, many of whom appreciate the flexibility and independence the platform offers.
- Flexible Work Options: Over 57 percent of Uber’s drivers and delivery partners cite the freedom to set their own schedules as the main reason for joining. A driver from Nairobi shared, “I want to be my own boss and grow my future so that my family can have a better life.”
- Economic Resilience: With rising living costs, 65 percent of partners joined Uber for financial stability, with some achieving life-changing milestones. A Kiambu-based driver said, “I earned enough money to take my son to high school through only the Uber app. My son and I have never forgotten that.”
Consumer Preferences: Safety, Convenience, and Speed
Consumers in Kenya have embraced Uber for its reliability, safety, and convenience:
- Food Delivery: In 2023, over 36 percent of Kenyan adults used Uber Eats, with 67 percent citing convenience as their top reason.
- Safety: Safety is a key factor, especially for women, with 96 percent of female riders naming it their primary reason for using Uber. A 22-year-old Nairobi resident stated, “It’s much safer using Uber because I can conveniently share my location with my family.”
Insights from Uber Leadership
Imran Manji, Uber’s Head of East Africa, highlighted the alignment between Uber’s economic impact and Kenya’s vision for innovation and growth. “This report breaks down the billions of shillings in economic value that Uber helps create annually in Kenya. It highlights how we contribute to making transportation, food, and essential items more accessible while empowering drivers and delivery partners,” he stated.
Kui Mbugua, General Manager for Uber Eats Kenya, emphasized how Uber Eats has transformed local businesses. “Access to insights such as customer preferences and peak ordering times enables merchants to optimize their offerings and tailor strategies to meet customer needs,” she explained.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Uber’s report illustrates the company’s role as a catalyst for Kenya’s economic growth. By supporting local enterprises and offering sustainable earning opportunities, Uber is contributing to Kenya’s vision of a more connected, resilient, and thriving economy. As Uber deepens its commitment to innovation and local partnerships, its impact on Kenya’s socio-economic landscape is poised to grow even further.
